Technology in the Trucking Industry

The trucking industry is on the cutting edge of technological advancements, and a carrier’s use of advanced monitoring equipment is an important consideration for Maryland truck accident attorneys. In the weeks and months prior to a truck accident trial in Maryland, attorneys engage in a discovery phase and gather information that will reveal how the accident happened. In order to get all of the important facts, truck negligence attorneys must become knowledgeable on any communication or monitoring equipment used by the trucker

Many Maryland truck accidents are caused by a truck’s mechanical failure or a truck driver’s failure to properly maintain his vehicle. For example, the Caterpillar Driver Information Display alerts the driver to important mechanical issues within the big rig. With the aid of a forensic computer analyst an attorney can attempt to retrieve prior alerts and determine whether a driver negligently failed to make necessary repairs to their rig.

Another source of information comes from Qualcomm Products. Qualcomm Products manufactures a series of satellite based communication and monitoring systems that can provide information following a truck accident. Qualcomm systems provide instant messaging, email, and GPS tracking capabilities to motor carriers and their truckers. Following a truck accident, the Qualcomm systems allow a truck driver to immediately transmit their version of events to the home office. Communications between a carrier and a truck driver may shed light on how a truck accident really happened.